Smythville

AA and the boys Originally uploaded by EclipseAu I took AA and the boys up to Nerrima Gardens at Queens Park, Ipswich to take some photos of them as they don't have many photos together. They turned out pretty good actually. Yes, Yes I know, they are good and I will stop calling you Ashley. More photos over on Flickr.

Doesn't anyone read a Dictionary !!!! Originally uploaded by EclipseAu As I was passing this ATM today I noticed this sign. Now according to dictionary.com Disperse means to drive or send off in various directions (scatter: to disperse a crowd) or to spread widely (disseminate: to disperse knowledge. I don't know about you but I think that Suncorp would be pretty unhappy finding out that at some stage this machine threw money all over the place. Also I'm not sure whether this is meant as a statement or a warning ! I'm pretty sure that whoever placed this sign on the machine meant to use the word Dispense. Which at dictionary.com means to deal out.

The Candy Man's Farewell Originally uploaded by EclipseAu One of my managers had his farewell morning tea this morning and the girls and I trekked in to say goodbye.

Happy / Sad Originally uploaded by EclipseAu CB is happy 'cause she gets to go on the Santaland Express but JP is sad 'cause she was too tall.

Iphone, Iphone. Where fore art thou Iphone !!!! Originally uploaded by EclipseAu Oh Noes !! I have been having problems with my Iphone for two days and have been on the phone to Optus (no Help) trying to fix the problem. I took it in to Optus World to try to isolate the problem (use sim in another phone) and they are sending it back to be fixed under warranty. They gave me this phone as a replacement. WHAT !!!!! Its like Michael Knight taking K.I.T.T in for a service and being given a Datto 180b as a loan car. Sure, it will get you from A to B, but the radio doesn't work, there's no cd player and no air conditioner let alone all the other cool gadgets This phone only makes calls and texts. What The ...... It is very frustrating not being connected to the net at any time.

How to wash a CAT !!!! Originally uploaded by EclipseAu We're only new to this cat ownership thing, but I keep telling the girls that I don't think this is how we're supposed to wash the cat.

Saying Goodbye to Grandma & Grandpa Originally uploaded by EclipseAu We drove down to Coolangatta to see Grandma & Grandpa off back to Bendigo. We had tea with them at the Airport before they went. The girls are still in their swimming togs from our trip to the beach earlier.

Sisters in the Sea Originally uploaded by EclipseAu Before we dropped Grandma & Grandpa off at the Airport we had a play at the beach at Burleigh Heads. I call this photo Sisters in the Sea More Photos in this set on Flickr.

Meet Trollie Originally uploaded by EclipseAu This is Trollie. Take a good look at him. You will be seeing more of him in the coming photos, at least you may. I will be putting trollie in photos we take, and in the spirit of "Where's Wally" we will be making "Where's Trollie". All these photos will be in the wheres Trollie Set in Flickr.

City Lights Originally uploaded by EclipseAu Friday Night saw us take Grandma and Grandpa in to South Bank to have a look at the markets. We had a look at the Eye of Brisbane but decided against having a ride due the exorbitant prices. We saw a sand sculptor on Breaka Beach plying his trade and when NP took GM & GP for a look at the markets I took the girls for a swim. Little did we know that it would take so long to get home. Queensland Rail scheduled rail works on the Ipswich line and we had to catch a bus home from Goodna Station. More Photos over on Flickr.

CB and Santa at the Toy Run Originally uploaded by EclipseAu Every year The Lockyer branch of the Ulysses Motorcycle club hold their annual Toyrun starting from Brassall Shopping Centre. We go outside on the footpath every year to wave to the riders who throw lollies to all the kids waving to them. It is a most a excellent (to quote Bill and Ted) adventure. More info about the toy run Here and Here

Check out that petrol price Originally uploaded by EclipseAu WOW !!!! 90.4 cents per litre. Can't get much cheaper than that.

My Workspace !! It's Clean Originally uploaded by EclipseAu It was my last day at work today before holidays! Yay I did a tidy up before I left. Just posting the pic as proof.

Grandma and Grandpa Visit the 'Switch Originally uploaded by EclipseAu The Girls have been excited all week , and each day more so. Cause not only is Santa coming soon but so is Grandma and Grandpa. They are staying at the Oaks Aspire Apartments in Ipswich during their stay. Tonight after meeting up with them we went up the road for a Chinese banquet. This photo is taken out the back near the pool overlooking St Mary's Cathedral.

Cat Fight !!!! Originally uploaded by EclipseAu Well he was at it again last night. His name may be Zorro (because of his brown masked eyes) but lately it would be more accurate to look at changing his name to Hoodini. He seems to be a master of escape from small rooms. The events of last night: Me: "Snore" NP: "Get up and have a listen to this" Me: "What's wrong" NP: "Listen" Miaowwwrrrrrr Me: "What is that" NP: "Zorro and his girlfriend are at it again" NP: "Go and get him" Me: "What !!!" So needless to say, I slip a shirt on and head out the door into the 3am pre dawn darkness looking for an animal that is used to evading predators ( Me ). I found him across the road in the neighbours yard. Here is an interesting thing to try. Call an animal (especially a cat, who at the best of times, looks at you when you call him and does nothing. Even though you can read his thoughts "If you want me you can ...

I sometimes feel the need to educate the baby boomer generation in the finer points of new technology. Even though the mobile (cell) phone has been around now for quite some time (20 years). Case in point: A man got on the train this morning and sat behind me. His phone rang and this began a solid 15 minutes of yell talking. He was literally so loud that people half way up the carriage were looking at him and shaking their heads. I wanted to turn around and tell him that the device he had in his hand actually carries his voice to the person on the other end, and that yelling into the phone would not make it easier for the other person to hear him. I mean it's not as if he were using two tin cans and a piece of string. Also, you are on public transport, not your little manly office where you can do as you want and damn those who don't like it. Get with the times. It's 2008, not 1978. Wake up and learn the technology. Rant over Out

Leaf or Moth Originally uploaded by EclipseAu JP took this photo of a moth on the bath tub as she was enthralled by the fact that it looked like a leaf. JP wanted to share this picture with you all, as I have been trying to get the rest of the family involved in putting forward their interests to the blog.

Day Care Xmas Party Originally uploaded by EclipseAu We went along to Cribb street's kids Xmas party on Friday night.. Even though CB hasn't been at the centre for 11 months, she still managed to wangle herself into the Kindy Room's song and dance routine. I was also surprised to be presented with a couple of gifts from the centre for volunteering on the committee for 5 of the 9 years we were at the centre. A keyring, engraved with the dates I served on the committee, a card signed by the staff an a bottle of Dimple. I was totally blindsided by the gift as I had not expected it (even NP kept it a secret for two weeks).

Most Improved Junior Netballer Originally uploaded by EclipseAu JP received an award at the year's 4 to 7 awards ceremony this morning held at Blair State Schol. She was awarded most improved junior netballer. Well done JP. We are very proud of you.

GIS Christmas Tree - Part 1 Originally uploaded by EclipseAu Toby and Chrissie organise all our social events at work, and do a great job as well. This is a GIS tribute to christmas.

Santa has Returned Originally uploaded by EclipseAu I posted a photo last week wondering what happened to Santa this year. Obviously the council heard me and fixxed this gross misjustice.

Racing Snail Originally uploaded by EclipseAu I took this photo of a racing snail this morning on my way to work. I had to use a very fast shutter speed (1/5th sec f8) to capture the snail and not blur the action. Go you good thing !!!

Sprocket in the Car Originally uploaded by EclipseAu He is a bit hard to see in this photo, nut the dog in the back of the car looks like sprockett from "Fraggle Rock". Ed. That's starting to show my age a bit, isn't it.

My New Shoes Originally uploaded by EclipseAu A pic of my new colorado shoes. Toby the shoe god will be suitably impressed. It will, however, disapppoint him that my laces do by match the colour of my shirt. Please forgive my shoe noobness your eminence. LOL.

Choice Sunset Originally uploaded by EclipseAu I stopped the car on the way to my last committee meeting for the day care centre to take this photo. If only the government would spend the money to put the electricity underground, we would be subject to less visual clutter. Anyhow, A choice Sunset anyway. This photo does not do justice to the actual colours in the sky at the time.

Petrol price drop (POD) Originally uploaded by EclipseAu Just a quick pic of the current price of petrol here in Ipswich..

Venus, Jupiter and the Crescent Moon Conjunction Originally uploaded by EclipseAu Last night a Lunar phenomenon occurred that you can only see about once a generation. It is the conjunction of the Crescent moon, Venus and Jupiter. The next time this occurs will be in 2036 apparently (28 years).

1st Day of Summer Originally uploaded by EclipseAu Welcome to summer everyone.

I was sent this video in a link in an email from my Aunt. Verry cool video. Makes you think [youtube=http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=KYlrrAWCTRg] On November 11, 1999 Terry Kelly was in a Shoppers Drug Mart store in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. At 10:55 AM an announcement came over the store's PA asking customers who would still be on the premises at 11:00 AM to give two minutes of silence in respect to the veterans who have sacrificed so much for us. Terry was impressed with the store's leadership role in adopting the Legion's "two minutes of silence" initiative. He felt that the store's contribution of educating the public to the importance of remembering was commendable. When eleven o'clock arrived on that day, an announcement was again made asking for the "two minutes of silence" to commence. All customers, with the exception of a man who was accompanied by his young child, showed their respect. Terry's anger towards the father for trying to en...

The finished Xmas tree. Originally uploaded by EclipseAu The tree was finished this morning as I walked past, waiting for the lighting ceremony tomorrow night. I note the conspicuous lack of a certain jolly man and his 8 hooved friends at this point in time. Usually around the base of the Christmas tree is a model of Santa and the reindeer. Hmmm, I wonder where they have gone.

Angels in the City. Originally uploaded by EclipseAu A quick post to share this photo of the angels Brisbane city council has put up around the mall as part of the Christmas decorations this year.

Morning Crush Hour Originally uploaded by EclipseAu Just wanted to share a picture of the normal conditions on my morning commute to work on the rolling sardine can.

And the flood waters recede. Originally uploaded by EclipseAu I have taken a few snaps of the Riverheart Parklands after the floodwaters receded. I will, for those readers interested, be visiting the other sites I had posted photos of in Flickr and posting some "After" photos. More photos will be posted tonight, so stay tuned.

CB goes to another party. Originally uploaded by EclipseAu Little Miss Socialite has been invited to one of her friend's birthday parties. It was held at the Queens Park Nature Centre.

A nice photo of JP Originally uploaded by EclipseAu The title says it all. Just wanted to share it.

Brisbane's Christmas Tree Originally uploaded by EclipseAu The council started putting the Chrismas tree up on Sunday. I thought that they were very game doing this in the gale blowing down George Street. Stay tuned for updates as the tree goes up in stages.

Sunbaking in the Nude (Warning: Wombat Wallnut Warning) Originally uploaded by EclipseAu We went to Queens Park on Saturday last for a birthday party. When we walked through the nature centre we found this beastie lying on his back having the sleep of his life. Even kids banging on the window couldn't wake this worn out Wombat. And no it wasn't dead. I could hear you thinking that. Psychotic, aren't I.

CB gets a haircut !! Originally uploaded by EclipseAu Well, we had been threatening her for a while now. "If you don't let's us brush your hair we'll get it cut off", was our catchcry. I got off the train yesterday, and lo and behold, NP had done it. And it looks great.

Nice Weather For Ducks Originally uploaded by EclipseAu Well, we got drenched last night. 197mm of rain fell on Ipswich in three hours. I will update this post tonight. I will also be posting a heap of photos on our Flickr site tonight as well. So stay tuned. 21 Nov 2008 - 1205am See  > here < for the link to the collection of photos of the floods in Ipswich today.

A Very Fairy Birthday Party Originally uploaded by EclipseAu CB was invited to a Fairy and Pirates themed Birthday Party by one of her friends at school. It was held at Hungry Jacks. There were a heap of fairies and 1 pirate. She wasn't very with it at the party as she had been running very high temps all night. She looked beautiful in her Fairy costume.

Courier Collection Area Originally uploaded by EclipseAu I thought this was interesting. At my work they have a dedicated area where you can come and collect any couriers that have been sent to you. Mwahahahahahaha

Mum & Bub Originally uploaded by EclipseAu It was great to catch up with my little sister yesterday. As you can see from the pic she is looking great and is in excellent health. RDJ was very active, although not when my hand was on her belly. The girls had a great visit with AB. JP came to the door very excitedly saying "I felt the baby move".

Belly Flops at Nanna's Originally uploaded by EclipseAu We called in to see Big Nanna on the way home from the airport and beach. JP decided to show her prowess at the lost art of Belly Flopping.. Click Here to Head over to flickr to see the sequence .

At the beach Originally uploaded by EclipseAu We went to the beach for about an hour after dropping NP off at the Gold Coast Airport.

Bye Mum, Love you, have a nice trip. Originally uploaded by EclipseAu A quick snap of all the girls, before NP had to go on to the passengers only departure lounge. (READ: back part of a big tin shed.)

Air Asia - Funny advertising Originally uploaded by EclipseAu This advert for Air Asia made me laugh. So I thought I would share it with you all. It reads "Cheap enough to say, Phuket I'll go." Hahahahaha, clunk.

When I picked the girls up from OSHC the other day we went to get a slushie. Their Tongues turned black with the colour combination. See here for more Photos

JP & CB in the Fairy Display Originally uploaded by EclipseAu After seeing a segment on "Extra" we decided to go and visit "The Faeries Tea Party" being displayed at Dinmore Cottage in Dinmore. The exhibition ran from Sat Sep 20 2008 – Sun Oct 5 2008 The Girls loved the exhibition, which just happened to be displayed right next door to the Xmas Loft and Dinmore Cottage's Nick Nak store. My reccomendation is that the girls in the Family could spend an hour or two browsing the various stores, but for the guys bring your PSP or Iphone if you are gonna be there a while. LOL For more Images go and see the collection on our flickr page here .

Girls in front of the Movie Poster Originally uploaded by EclipseAu We went to see Journey to the Centre of the Earth in 3D at the Indooro cinemas. It was funny to watch CB trying to catch all the things flying out from the screen. Meanwhile there were parts throughout the movie that my arm lost circulation because JP was hugging it so hard. Like the cool glasses ?

Sleeping Beauty Originally uploaded by EclipseAu When I woke up this morning, this is how I found our little angel. Obviously she got hot in the course of the night and spun around into this very comfortable position. What's more, is that when frequenting our bed at night, she works her way onto this position between NP and me. No need to comment on how comfortable that is.